Accessibility Resources

Why Do You Need to Update Your VPAT^®?

By Sanjay Nasta | July 23, 2024 | |

Understanding Voluntary Product Accessibility Template and Accessibility Compliance Report: Key Tools for Digital Accessibility Compliance A completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) outlines a product’s conformance to digital accessibility standards. The Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) developed the VPAT standards to ensure compliance with Section 508 standards for IT products. It details the accessibility level of information and communication technology (ICT), such as hardware, software, and electronic content. When completed,[…]

Advancements in Web Accessibility: From WCAG 2.0 to WCAG 2.1

By Sanjay Nasta | May 21, 2024 | |

The landscape of digital accessibility is shaped significantly by evolving standards and regulations. With the new Department of Justice (DOJ) Title II Ruling opting for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 over WCAG 2.0, stakeholders must understand the differences between the two standards. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure web content is accessible to all users, including those[…]

Navigating Next Steps After Accessibility Litigation Settlements

By Hiram Kuykendall | March 26, 2024 | |

Navigating Next Steps After Accessibility Litigation Settlements Take These Actions After Settling an Accessibility Lawsuit Determining what to do once an accessibility-related action has been finalized can be challenging. Actions taken by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Department of Justice, or through other sources of litigation are stressful for organizations that are frequently unprepared for the next steps. To meet the terms of the agreement efficiently and effectively, you[…]

Ten Accessibility Errors Automated Tools Miss on PDF Documents

By Leslie Janek | March 16, 2021 | |

To comply with accessibility law and be inclusive you must provide an equal experience for all users, regardless of disability. To accomplish this goal, you must develop all your digital content with accessibility in mind. The media platforms encompass websites, videos, e-learning, documents, and an ever-growing list of other mediums. The wide use of PDF documents on websites and in email means PDF document accessibility plays a vital role in[…]

The Role of Policy in Creating a Culture of Accessibility

By Sanjay Nasta | April 19, 2022 | |

Jeff Kline is the author of Strategic IT Accessibility: Enabling the Organization and is a recognized subject matter expert in key areas of IT accessibility, including policy, rule making, process integration, procurement, and risk mitigation. He formerly served as Program Director of Statewide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility at the Texas Department of Information Resources. Jeff consults on IT accessibility policy matters for federal and state agencies, educational institutions, NGOs,[…]

WCAG 2.2 Explained – What Designers and Content Creators Need To Know

By Soheil Varamini | November 20, 2023 | |

As the digital landscape evolves, ensuring inclusive and accessible online experiences becomes more critical than ever. Recently, the WC3 released its version 2.2 updates to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), bringing with it new standards and considerations. If you’re a website designer, application developer, or digital marketer, understanding these changes is crucial for creating content that reaches all users barrier-free. The Evolution of WCAG: A Brief Overview Originally introduced[…]

Accessibility Asked and Answered: What is a Web Accessibility Audit?

By Hiram Kuykendall | March 28, 2023 | |

A web accessibility audit evaluates a digital asset for accessibility to people with disabilities. The audit may be for a website, web application, mobile app, desktop application, or any product that contains a user interface. The audit typically involves reviewing the digital assets’ content, design, and code to identify any barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing or using the site. Audit Motivation There are many reasons why[…]

Why Every Product Needs a VPAT

By Sanjay Nasta | February 27, 2023 | |

In today’s purchasing market, accessibility is an increasingly important factor for companies looking to sell their products and services to government agencies, universities, and other organizations that care about accessibility. Many organizations now require a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) during the purchasing process to assess the accessibility of a product or service and determine if it meets their accessibility requirements. A VPAT is a document that provides detailed information on the accessibility of a product[…]

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Third-Party Auditor for Your VPAT Engagement

By Hiram Kuykendall | March 20, 2023 | |

Potential customers frequently ask product developers to provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). It usually doesn’t take long for the developer to realize that the VPAT form is complex and contains language specific to the accessibility industry. This realization leads many developers to seek a third-party auditor’s assistance in auditing their product and creating an accessibility compliance report. This VPAT engagement checklist[…]

Find Your Perfect Match: Tips for Selecting the Right VPAT Vendor Partner

By Sanjay Nasta | February 16, 2023 | |

For companies that do not have the resources or expertise to conduct an accessibility assessment and create a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), working with an outside vendor partner can be a viable option. An outside vendor partner can provide expertise and resources to conduct an accessibility assessment and create a comprehensive and accurate VPAT. Choosing the right vendor partner to create your VPAT is critical to the success and[…]